“Field Trips” is either a day trip or a few days where I visit food areas of interest which may include farm visits, producers, wineries, restaurants and/or other places that people can visit. This is about offering Vancouver Foodster readers a chance to get out of town and take a “Field Trip” for the day or a few days to explore, learn, taste and experience.

A Weekend Field Trip to Victoria

For this trip we took Helijet to Victoria from downtown Vancouver by their regularly scheduled helicopter service which took 35 minutes. There are various ways to get to Victoria from the mainland which includes the ferries, seaplane or regular planes; additionally by helicopter which works out great for those that don’t have cars or don’t have the time to wait in the ferry line-up.

Helijet has scheduled passenger helicopter airline services and operates flights from heliports at Vancouver International Airport, downtown Vancouver, downtown Nanaimo and downtown Victoria.

We were able to check into our hotel early and did so right after arriving to Victoria, just a 15 minute walk to the Huntingdon Manor Hotel. The location of the hotel is superb as it’s close to everything including downtown, its got a mix of modern and retro charm, offers a quaint, pleasant atmosphere.

The rooms were recently renovated and they offer free wifi, and a complimentary buffet breakfast.

We had dinner at Ugly Duckling Dining (543 Fisgard Street in Chinatown) that had opened not too long ago. They offer tasting menus only and it was a wonderful dining experience.

We enjoyed a Bao with pork belly to start as an amuse bouche to start along with our drinks, I had the Flight of honey bee cocktail and Lawrence had a Ginger Beer.

1st course

Vancouver Island Carrots

Charred Pacific Octopus

2nd course

Braised Lamb Shoulder Raviolo

3rd course

Butter-poached Halibut

4th course

Fraser Valley duck breast

Palate cleanser

Coconut lemongrass sorbet

5th course

Okanagan Gala Apple

We finished off the delicious meal with some Warm Sun tea. and petit fours.

After a good nights rest, we enjoyed the complimentary buffet breakfast in the morning before heading out for a walk.

After our walk through to the downtown area we walked to The Art of Slow Food (780 Fisguard Street) where it is all about slow food. This is where three sisters have built up their business from coast to coast and Sourdough is the basis for their success. The business started in Nova Scotia and has since grown not only there but in Victoria where other sisters now reside. Baking of the Sourdough starts at 4am each day and then both breakfast and lunch features almost all things sourdough related.

We visited their bakery that is located opposite the alleyway entrance to the Victoria Public Market and had a delicious Sourdough Tartine, Banana Coconut French Toast topped with blueberry sauce, We tasted the cinnamon bun, scone as well as the star Sourdough bread.

We had a late lunch at Faro which is located inside the Oak Bay Beach Hotel (1175 Beach Drive) at this popular spot that is off the beaten track.

Started off with the delicious Tuna & white beans and the Roast broccolini.

We then shared the delicious Bianca Verde pizza along with the Margherita burrata pizza.

For dessert we had the light and yummy Chocolate torta along with their baked Bombolini that paired well with the Double iced espresso.

The next morning we enjoyed a wonderful breakfast at The Pendray which is adjacent to our hotel, it features 9 suites and a glorious complimentary breakfast in the Pendray Tea Room.

Their breakfasts are elaborate and set up similar to an Afternoon tea experience. We had both the Luxury Breakfast tier and the Island Breakfast tier; we also enjoyed a pot of the tea of our choosing with our breakfasts.

After a long walk to Beacon Hill Park we walked to Fernwood Coffee Co (1105 Caledonia Ave) and here I had a Flat white with oat milk while Lawrence had an Americano. I had a delicious Lox and bagel sandwich while he had an Orange date muffin, along with a Lemon bar and a Flourless cookie. We also picked up some of their new coffee sodas, the Orange and a Cola

After checking out of the hotel, we enjoyed a late brunch at The Courteney Room (623 Courtney Street).

I had a freshly squeezed Orange juice while Lawrence had a coffee to start.

I had the Buttermilk Fried chicken and waffles with a Side green salad.

Lawrence had the Dry aged burger With half fries/half salad.

We flew home by Helijet on a beautiful afternoon, the journey took approx 30 minutes landing back in Downtown Vancouver. Helijet offers frequent service between both Victoria and Vancouver allowing you to book in advance or in the last minute. Your ticket includes complimentary snacks and newspapers inside the terminal.

Stay tuned for my next Field Trip outside of Vancouver.

By: Richard Wolak

Disclosure: The Huntingdon Manor Hotel provided us with complimentary accommodation, and meals. Tourism Victoria provided us with complimentary meals; and Helijet took care of our transportation. As always, all opinions and photos are my own.